Ms. Cindy H.Petty
Director of Orchestras & AP Music Theory, Benjamin Franklin High School
Email: cpetty@bfcsaz.com
Background
I am thrilled to be the Director of Orchestras for BFHS! In addition to teaching the incredible musicians at BFHS, I also serve as Artistic Director & Conductor of the East Valley Youth Symphony & the Oregon Arts Orchestra; Associate Director of the Women’s Orchestra of Arizona;Guest Conductor, Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra, Chandler Symphony Orchestra & Musica Nova Orchestra; Conductor Emeritus of the Jewish Community Orchestra 0f Portland. As a professional violinist, I am privileged to perform with the Newport Symphony, Musica Nova Orchestra and Chandler Symphony Orchestra. Previously I have served as music director and conductor with the Oregon Pro Arte Chamber and Youth Orchestras; Portland Youth Philharmonic, Granite, Lincoln and Jordan, Youth Symphonies. I also love traveling to perform and have 10 years experience producing concerts and festivals worldwide for Music Celebrations International including festivals in Italy, Austria, France, Ireland, England, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, China, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren who ALL play string instruments!
Educational Philosophy
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away”. - Pablo Picasso
I LOVE teaching and playing music! I firmly believe music is essential to a well-rounded education and complements every aspect of life. It is cognitive, physical, expressive, goal oriented, aesthetic, exciting, and rewarding. It is work and recreation at the same time requiring focus and the highest level of commitment and dedication to excellence. Music is an aural sport, a lifelong skill which ensures the human element and joy of life! Though I am just entering my 3rd year at BFHS, I have 40 plus years experience teaching music in the public and private school systems, youth honor orchestras and adult community and professional symphonies. As you may have guessed, music is not only my profession, it is also my passion!